'International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking' observed widely
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 26 2025: As celebrated across the globe, the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed widely in the State today under the theme, "The Evidence is Clear Invest in Prevention".

The Day is observed every year on June 26 to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.

RIMS

The Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, observed the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking today under the theme, "The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.

Break the Cycle" .

The event was organised by the Department of Psychiatry, RIMS, Imphal, to highlight the growing need for effective, evidence-based strategies to combat drug abuse and promote public health.

Dr S Gojendra Singh, Head, Department of Psychiatry, delivered an insightful speech highlighting the rising trend of substance abuse among youth.

Stressing on the need for preventive education, early intervention, and a strong support system, he urged all stakeholders to collaborate and invest in evidence-based prevention strategies.

Dr RK Lenin Singh, Professor, Department of Psychiatry, emphasized the need for increased awareness and mental health services to tackle addiction from both psychological and social angles.

He also highlighted the critical role of community involvement and institutional commitment in reducing the burden of drug-related harm.

The observance included expert talks led by the Department of Psychiatry.

It saw active participation from faculty members, senior residents, postgraduate trainees (PGTs), junior residents, psychiatric social workers, nursing staff, project staff, and Tele-MANAS staff of the Department.

Moreover, Epu Maichou Taret Charitable Trust (EMTCT) also observed the International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking at the College of Nursing, RIMS, Imphal.

The event was graced by dignitaries, including Y Kishorchand, Additional Superintendent of Police, NAB; LC Mala, Associate Professor, College of Nursing; Laishram Jotin, Lecturer, College of Nursing; and B Bedhakumar Shanna, president, EMTCT .

Manipur University

To mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the National Service Scheme (NSS) Cell of Manipur University (MU), organised a 1-Day Awareness Programme on the theme, "Mission-Drug Free Campus" .

The programme was conducted under Ihe aegis of fee Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and fee Ministry of Higher Education, Government of India.

The event was graced by dignitaries, including Prof N Rajmuhon Singh, former Vice-Chancellor, DM University; Prof Ch Ibohal Singh, Dean, Students' Welfare, MU; Dr Kh Herachandra Singh, Programme Officer, NSS Unit-1, MU; Ningthoujam Roshan Singh, president, Indian Drug Users Forum; and Dr Laishram Santosh Singh, Programme Coordinator, NSS Cell, MU.

The programme commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by all fee dignitaries, followed by an anti-drug pledge, administered by Prof N Rajmuhon, promoting commitment to a drug-free lifestyle.

In the welcome address, Dr Kh Herachandra Singh emphasized the urgent need for preventive education, youth engagement, and campus-wide participation to build a healthy, drug-free academic environment.

Ningthoujam Roshan Singh shared his personal experiences, shedding light on the harsh realities of drug addiction.

He highlighted both the risks and recovery possibilities, calling for collective responsibility in building a supportive and stigma-free environment for those affected.

Prof N Rajmuhon Singh remarked, "Books are the carriers of knowledge, wisdom, and culture.

Without books, society would be devoid of meaning".

He also stressed the role of the youth in nation-building and facing global challenges, underlining education and awareness as the foundation for societal transformation.

The event concluded with a strong message: the fight against drug abuse begins with awareness, empathy, and collective action.

CADA

Joining the rest of the world, the Coalition Against Drugs & Alcohol (CADA) Manipur celebrated the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at HRD Academy, Ghari today.

The event held under the theme "Evidence is Clear : Invest in Prevention", was graced by dignitaries, including Hijam Priyokumar, president, CADA Manipur; Kongkham Manglem Singh, president, Management Committee HRD Academy; Thounaojam Rohmshang, secretary, Management Committee HRD Academy; and Sarangajit Khundrakpam, principal, HRD Academy.

Advocate Dr Ch.

Narendra and senior psychiatrist Dr S Manikanta also attended the event as resource persons.

LIMIT, JNIMS

The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was also celebrated today at the conference hall of Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), Porompat to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society.

The event was jointly organised by the Lamyanba Irawat Memorial Integrated Trust (LIMIT) Manipur and the Department of Psychiatry, JNIMS.

The event was graced by Prof Kh Lokeshwar Singh, Medical Superintendent, JNIMS; Prof Koijam Shantibala Devi, Head, Psychiatry Department, JNIMS & president, IPS, MSP; Ima Lourembam Nganbi, chief advisor, LIMIT Manipur & president, AMKIL; and Sinthangamba Lourembam, chairman, Youth of Manipur as presidium members.

Dr Nelson Loitongbam, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, JNIMS and general secretary, IPS, MSP, also attended the event as a resource person. Nirvana Foundation
The Nirvana Foundation also observed fee International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at its Training & Resource Centre in Khurai Tinsid Road, Imphal East district today.

The event held under the theme "Breaking the Chains: Prevention, Treatment, Recovery for All", brought together key stakeholders, community members, and officials dedicated to combating drug abuse and promoting rehabilitation.

It was attended by Victoria Yengkhom, Superintendent of Police, CID (Security); Sadananda Sorokhaibam, Chief Judicial Magistrate cum I/C Secretary, DLSA Imphal East; Yumnam Tomba, executive, Nirvana Foundation; and Sobhana Sorokhaibam secretary, Nirvana Foundation as presidium members.

Clients of the Core Composite Project, various stakeholders from Imphal East, community members, and the staff of Nirvana Foundation also participated in the event, reflecting a collective commitment to addressing drug-related challenges in the region.

Moreover, a Voluntary Blood Donation Camp was held today at fee Department of Transfusion Medicine, RIMS, Imphal, in connection wife fee International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The camp was organised by the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), Manipur State Branch in association wife National People's Youth Front (NPYF) .

Altogether, 32 individuals including National People's Party general secretary Laitonjam Jayananda and NPYF Manipur State Unit president Nongthombam Bidyarani donated their blood during fee camp.

Meanwhile, District Administration Imphal East and Social Welfare Office Imphal East jointly organised a prize distribution programme for fee painting competition held in connection wife fee observation of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The programme held at DIC Hall, Porompat, was attended by Dr Nivedita Lairenlakpam, Deputy Commissioner Imphal East; RK Dayananda, ADC; Dr RK Lenin and Ksh Jibanmala, project director of Kripa Foundation.

To mark International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking, the Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) organised a debating competition today on the topic, "Drug related issues in Manipur can be solved only with sincere efforts from the Government" .

Altogether, 26 debaters participated in fee competition.

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